Top 25 Gator teams: #4 2005-06 Men's basketball

The unranked Gators surprised basketball pundits by winning its first 15 straight games and climbing into the top five in the country. UF went on to win their first NCAA title.

By Kevin BrockwayStaff writer

Record: 33-6The stars: Sophomore center Joakim Noah emerged from a reserve role as a freshman to become a dominant, hustling big man inside, setting an NCAA Tournament record for blocked shots; Forward Corey Brewer posted the first triple-double in school history and was an outstanding defender; Taurean Green excelled in his first full season as a starting point guard; Forward Al Horford was a steady, dependable inside scorer and rebounder.What they did: Unranked heading into the season, Florida surprised college basketball pundits by winning its first 15 straight games and climbing into the top five in the country. After a lull in late-February, the Gators went 10-0 in March/April to clinch their first NCAA basketball title. Big moment: In Florida’s Sweet 16 matchup with Georgetown, Brewer hit a short baseline jumper while falling down with 27.5 seconds left to put the Gators ahead to stay in a 57-53 win. From there, Florida beat Villanova, George Mason and UCLA to clinch the national championship.Fun fact: All five starters, including junior 3-point shooting specialist Lee Humphrey, finished the season averaging double-figures in scoring.Quote: “The teamwork, the chemistry, the bond, the unselfishness, what team meant, they were just really, really unique.” — Florida coach Billy Donovan.